2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its iconic design, with no major exterior changes. Its boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood paid homage to the original Defender and classic Series Land Rovers. The option for a white contrasting roof and steel wheels added a retro touch. Despite these nods to the past, the Defender boasted a modern design with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The larger size of the modern Defender translated to more interior space and better ergonomics, offering a comfortable driving position with ample headroom and legroom. The interior design emphasized ruggedness with bare metal and exposed screws, complemented by metal trim on the steering wheel. The mix of leather and suede upholstery in the high-end Defender 90 V8 model suggested durability, making it suitable for off-road adventures without worrying about interior damage.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more understated look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS avoided a gaudy grille, maintaining a subtle elegance. However, other GLS models, such as the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach version, offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The Maybach model included luxurious touches like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version focused on performance with stainless steel trim and Nappa leather seats. The GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic. While the interior felt high-quality, it was perhaps too subdued for those seeking a more opulent experience.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a new V8 engine. The base model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The mid-level option was a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. All models came with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The V8 engine, producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, accelerated the Defender 90 from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 149 mph. The V8 model included an electronic active rear differential, Dynamic drive mode, and unique transmission and suspension tuning for sportier handling. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from the 22-inch tires. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by features like a 4WD system with low range, good approach, departure, and breakover angles, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance. It also boasted an 8,201-pound maximum towing capacity.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth performance, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the suspension left room for improvement, as it exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity, which was competitive but not class-leading. While the GLS 450's performance was adequate, it lacked the refinement expected from a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered versatility with its seating configurations. The two-door Defender 90 had 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access. The four-door Defender 110 model provided more options, with two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. Three-row models offered 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 70.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. Two-row versions had 18.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 51.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Defender's interior design emphasized functionality, with a large caged storage space below the dashboard and a spacious center-console storage bin. Optional features included a basket-style roof rack and cargo boxes for additional storage.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat offering an additional 3.4 inches of legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS' air suspension facilitated loading and unloading by lowering the vehicle. While the GLS was well-equipped for transporting people and cargo, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach and the center console's grab handles lacking a clear purpose.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on all trims except the base model, with an 11.4-inch touchscreen newly available for 2022. The interface was user-friendly, with well-designed graphics and menu layouts, though the screen required a firm touch to respond. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, which was particularly useful for off-roading.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with a head-up display available as an option. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, steering wheel touchpads, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, understanding natural speech well. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and challenging to use. While the graphics were visually appealing, the navigation system had some issues, such as suggesting inefficient routes.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with standard driver-assist features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition with a speed-limit adapter. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which was common for luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and second-row side airbags were optional. Additional advanced driver-assistance features were also available for an extra cost. Like the Defender, the GLS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.